Microsoft sends care package to erased 360 owner

By Terrence Stasse


You may recall the coverage we had on the site regarding Nathaniel, a guy who had to send his autographed, artwork covered, Halo themed Xbox 360 into Microsoft, and who had it returned to him with only smudges remaining of the original ink. First Nathaniel got some love from Bungie, but now it seems that word has reached other parts of the tubes and Microsoft (finally) got wind of it. In their attempts to make it up to him, they sent a who box of goodies including a 360 console (signed by original Rooster Teeth signers, new artwork by Luke McKay, signatures from the Xbox 360 team, and additional signatures from Bungie Staff), a faceplate with Bill Gates' signature (among others), all bunch of games, some smaller swag, and, wait for it ... a signed picture of Bill Gates.

Disregarding that last thing, that is a great package of loot to get from a major company. The original article lists some more of the details and history of the incident, and carries Nathaniel's response, which we've reprinted here.

"While my story has come to what I am sure the average reader will conclude is a satisfactory close, I do not personally view this as its ultimate end. Don't get me wrong: My overall mood about the packages I have received from Bungie and Microsoft is nothing short of ecstatic, but compensation was never my focus. The only thing I have specifically asked of Microsoft and the Xbox 360 team for is this particular case to be examined so that some change(s), whether small or broad, can be made to the service process to prevent the occurrence of any similar scenario. This remains my only request. I'm not asking for details, but if my story is leading to changes that should benefit current and future Xbox 360 owners, I would really like to know."

The rest of Nathaniel's statement can be found after the break.


"I do not think the people at Microsoft that have been working diligently on the XBox 360 project over the last several years are fools. There have been many lessons to be learned for all that have worked on the project at all levels, from the inception of the console until now. I am confident that this story–and the subsequent response that it has received from the gaming community as a whole–will reinforce the importance of keeping customer service and repair divisions well organized and in top form.

To those who have worked to put this package together for me, you have my gratitude. Thank you all for putting forth the time and effort to do this for me; this is indeed far "more awesome" than what I had before.

This story has shown itself to be a great lesson in the power of the Internet. It is with this observation that I must say to the gaming community at large, those who've shown their support and saved me much of the effort of spreading my story myself, you also have my gratitude. Without the actions of a great number of individuals who will forever remain unknown to me, my "cautionary tale" would not have reached nearly as many people. Thank you."

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